Dassault Falcon 6X
{{Short description|French business jet}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2021}}
| {{Infobox aircraft begin
|name= Falcon 6X |image= File:F-WSIX - Dassault Falcon 6X.jpg |caption=Falcon 6X at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport }}{{Infobox aircraft type |type= Business jet |national origin = France |manufacturer= Dassault Aviation |designer= |first flight= 10 March 2021{{Cite web|url=https://air-cosmos.com/article/le-dassault-falcon-6x-vole-24380|title=Le Dassault Falcon 6X vole|website=Air et Cosmos|date=10 March 2021 |language=fr}} |introduction= 30 November 2023 |retired= |status= |primary user= |more users= |produced= |number built= |developed from = |variants with their own articles = }} |
The Dassault Falcon 6X is a large, long-range business jet developed by Dassault Aviation in France.
Its precursor, the Falcon 5X twinjet, was launched in 2013, rolled-out in 2015 and made its first flight on July 5, 2017, but its development was frozen as its Safran Silvercrest engine failed to meet performance objectives.
In December 2017, the Falcon 6X was launched as a stretched version with PW812D turbofans, made its first flight on 10 March 2021, and entered service on 30 November 2023.[https://www.flightglobal.com/business-aviation/dassault-falcon-6x-enters-service-after-post-certification-delay/156106.article Dassault Falcon 6X enters service after post-certification delay]
It has the widest purpose-built business jet cabin at {{cvt|2.58|m|in}}. Its {{cvt|761|ft2|order=flip}} wing allows a {{cvt|35,135|kg}} maximum weight with {{cvt|13,460|lbf|kN|disp=flip}} engines, for a {{cvt|5,500|nmi|km}} range and a Mach 0.90 top speed.
Development
= Falcon 5X =
File:Dassault Falcon 5X model 2015.png
Design work began in 2006 under the codename SMS for super-midsize, and was envisioned to compete with the Hawker 4000, the Bombardier Challenger 300 and the Gulfstream G200 or the Embraer Legacy 600 with a {{convert|3400|nmi|km|0|abbr=on}} range. Few details were publicized, except that the model was to be powered by two {{cvt|10000|lb-f|kN|disp=flip}} Rolls-Royce RB282 engines.{{cite web |url= http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/awx_10_21_2013_p0-628775.xml |title= Dassault Unveils Largest Falcon Jet: 5X |publisher= aviationweek |date= 21 October 2013 }}{{cite web |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/nbaa-convention-news/2008-09-30/few-new-details-emerge-dassault-super-midsize-jet |title= Few new details emerge on Dassault super-midsize jet |publisher= AINonline |date= 6 October 2008}}
The project was revamped after the Great Recession when demand for super midsized and smaller aircraft decreased dramatically, while demand for the large-cabin, long-range models remained vigorous. In 2009, the design was re-evaluated and the engine choice was reassessed.{{cite web |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2009-06-14/dassault-rethinks-sms-questions-engine-choice |title= Dassault rethinks SMS; questions engine choice |publisher= Aviation International News |date= 14 June 2009}}
File:Dassault Falcon 5X roll-out.jpg
The 5X was unveiled at the National Business Aviation Association's annual convention on October 21, 2013, to be powered by two Snecma Silvercrests.{{cite web |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/nbaa-convention-news/2013-10-21/dassault-reveals-new-falcon-5x-business-jet-nbaa |title= Dassault Reveals New Falcon 5X Business Jet at NBAA |publisher= AINonline |date= 22 October 2013 |access-date= 30 March 2019 |archive-date= 23 October 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131023061413/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/nbaa-convention-news/2013-10-21/dassault-reveals-new-falcon-5x-business-jet-nbaa |url-status= dead }} Compliant Silvercrest engines were originally planned for the end of 2013 but technical issues led Safran to postpone them to the end of 2017, leading to delay the 5X introduction from 2017 to 2020, and the high pressure compressor issues in the fall of 2017 delayed it further with performance shortfalls, preventing a 2020 service entry.{{cite press release |url= https://www.dassaultfalcon.com/en/MediaCenter/Newsd/Pages/PR%202017/Falcon-5X.aspx/ |title= Dassault confirms termination for 5X |publisher= Dassault |date= 13 December 2017 |access-date= 30 March 2019 |archive-date= 14 December 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171214014545/https://www.dassaultfalcon.com/en/MediaCenter/Newsd/Pages/PR%202017/Falcon-5X.aspx/ |url-status= dead }} On 29 January 2016, Dassault Aviation confirmed a two-year delay and production freeze on the Falcon 5X because of ongoing problems with the Snecma Silvercrest engine,{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dassault-confirms-two-year-delay-for-5x-421138/ |title= Dassault confirms two-year delay for 5X |date= 29 January 2016 |author= Murdo Morrison |work= Flightglobal}} the same engine responsible for delaying the development of the Citation Hemisphere.{{Cite web |last=Sarsfield2022-04-22T11:36:00+01:00 |first=Kate |title=Coming down the line: business aviation's key programmes |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/flight-international/coming-down-the-line-business-aviations-key-programmes/148337.article |access-date=2022-05-13 |website=Flight Global |language=en}} As Dassault endured a near three-year delay to 2020 with 12 cancellations in 2016, it demanded compensation from Safran for the engine delays.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dassault-demands-compensation-from-safran-for-silver-434941/ |title= Dassault demands compensation from Safran for Silvercrest delays |date= 8 March 2017 |work= Flightglobal}}
File:Dassault Falcon 5X Maiden Flight (cropped).jpg
After ground tests in spring 2017 including low and high speed taxi, the 5X made its first flight from Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport with a preliminary version of the engines on July 5, 2017.{{cite press release |url= http://www.dassaultfalcon.com/en/MediaCenter/Newsd/Pages/PR%202017/FALCON-5X-FIRST-FLIGHT.aspx |date= July 5, 2017 |title= Falcon 5X First Flight |publisher= Dassault |access-date= 30 March 2019 |archive-date= 10 September 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170910084021/https://www.dassaultfalcon.com//en/MediaCenter/Newsd/Pages/PR%202017/FALCON-5X-FIRST-FLIGHT.aspx |url-status= dead }} The preliminary flight tests were intended to streamline the development program, leading to full flight testing in 2018. That program was planned to fly with certifiable engines for flight validation and type certification, "limiting the consequences of the four year engine development delay as much as possible". It was then scheduled to enter service in 2020.{{cite web |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/falcon-5x-takes-flight-with-preliminary-silvercrest-439086/ |title= Falcon 5X takes flight with preliminary Silvercrest engines |publisher= FlightGlobal |date= 6 July 2017}}
By October 2017, the prototype had completed 50 flight hours, testing system performance and basic handling qualities.
Dassault then announced the aircraft's service introduction could be further delayed after Safran discovered high-pressure compressor response problems at high altitudes and low airspeeds on its flying testbed in San Antonio. Dassault did not rule out switching its engine supplier at that point.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/nbaa-dassault-discloses-new-delay-for-falcon-5x-441977/ |title= Dassault discloses new delay for Falcon 5X |date= 9 October 2017 |author= Stephen Trimble |work= Flightglobal}}
The prototype reached Mach 0.8 and 41,000 ft.{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/nbaa-2017/safran-engine-issues-cause-further-dassault-falcon-5x-delay |title= Safran Engine Issues Cause Further Dassault Falcon 5X Delay |date= 10 October 2017 |author= Guy Norris |work= Aviation Week Network}}
=Falcon 6X=
On 13 December 2017, Dassault abandoned the Silvercrest due to technical and schedule risks, ending the 5X development. In its place the company launched a new Falcon model with the same fuselage cross section, Pratt & Whitney Canada engines and a {{cvt|5,500|nmi|km}} range, planned for a 2022 introduction.
The new jet used Pratt & Whitney Canada PW800s, already powering the Gulfstream G500/G600.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dassault-terminates-silvercrest-contract-cancels-fa-444150/ |title= assault terminates Silvercrest contract; cancels Falcon 5X programme |date= 13 December 2017 |author= Kate Sarsfield |work= Flightglobal}}
The design was unveiled in February 2018, was forecast to make its first flight in early 2021 and begin deliveries in 2022.{{cite press release |url= https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/group/press/press-kits/dassault-aviation-launches-falcon-6x/ |title= Dassault Aviation Launches Falcon 6X |date= 28 February 2018|publisher= Dassault Aviation}}
Dassault hoped to launch a larger and longer-range variant of the 6X, to compete with the 7,700 nm (14,300 km)-range Bombardier Global 7500 and the 7,500 nm-range Gulfstream G650ER.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dassault-positive-on-falcon-6x-and-further-developme-450589/ |title= Dassault positive on Falcon 6X and further developments |date= 24 July 2018 |author= Kate Sarsfield |work= Flightglobal}}
On 6 September 2018, Dassault Aviation and Safran ended their dispute with US$ 280 million in compensatory damages paid by Safran to Dassault.{{cite press release |url= https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/group/press/press-kits/signature-amicable-settlement-safran/ |title= Signature of an amicable settlement with Safran |date= 6 September 2018|publisher= Dassault Aviation}}
By October 2018, Dassault had started construction of the lower wing and rear fuselage parts.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/nbaa-dassault-shows-off-falcon-6x-mock-up-as-progr-452693/ |title= NBAA: Dassault shows off Falcon 6X mock-up as programme progresses |date= 15 October 2018 |author= Max Kingsley Jones |work= Flightglobal}}
By February 2019, the 6X's PW812D engines had accumulated 120 hours of flight tests.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dassault-on-schedule-with-6x-business-jet-developmen-456204/ |title= Dassault on schedule with 6X business jet development |date= 28 February 2019 |author= Dominic Perry |work= Flightglobal}}
By May 2019, the design was frozen, the engines had 1,000 h of test time, and assembly was expected in 2020 for an on-track program.{{cite news |url= https://airinsight.com/falcon-6x-progressing-towards-2021-first-flight/ |title= Falcon 6X Progressing towards 2021 First Flight |author= Ernest Arvai |work= Airinsight |date= 20 May 2019}}
By October 2019, the first aircraft's front, main and rear fuselage sections were completed before being assembled and joined with the wing in early 2020.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-dassault-begins-assembly-of-falcon-6x-461654/ |title= PICTURE: DASSAULT BEGINS ASSEMBLY OF FALCON 6X PICTURE: Dassault begins assembly of Falcon 6X |date= 21 Oct 2019 |author= Alan Peaford |work= Flightglobal }}
The Falcon 6X was rolled-out on 8 December 2020.{{cite press release |url= https://www.dassaultfalcon.com/en/MediaCenter/Newsd/Pages/PR_2020/Dassault-Aviation-Rolls-Out-Falcon-6X.aspx |title= Dassault Aviation Rolls Out Falcon 6X, New Standard in Long-Range, Ultra Widebody Segment |date= Dec 8, 2020 |publisher= Dassault Aviation}} The initial flight was on 10 March 2021.
On 30 November 2021, a type certificate was issued by Transport Canada for the PW812 engine.{{cite web|url= https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/2/nico-celn/c_d.aspx?lang=eng&aprv_num=E-39&ISU_NUM=6&START_DATE=2021-11-30&AUTH_DESC=&DESC=&FRGN_NUM=&aprv_type=TA&PARTS_NUM=&id_num=2084|title= NAPA Issued Certificates Online: Certificate Detail|access-date= 2 December 2021|author= Transport Canada |author-link= Transport Canada|work= tc.gc.ca|date= 30 November 2021|archive-url= https://archive.today/20211202124844/https://wwwapps.tc.gc.ca/saf-sec-sur/2/nico-celn/c_d.aspx?lang=eng&aprv_num=E-39&ISU_NUM=6&START_DATE=2021-11-30&AUTH_DESC=&DESC=&FRGN_NUM=&aprv_type=TA&PARTS_NUM=&id_num=2084|archive-date= 2 December 2021|url-status= live}}
It came after more than 4,900 hours of testing and will allow the 6X to enter service on schedule in late 2022.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/engines/canadian-regulators-certificate-falcon-6xs-pw812d-engine/146682.article |title= Canadian regulators certificate Falcon 6X's PW812D engine |author= Jon Hemmerdinger |date= 1 December 2021 |work= Flightglobal}}
By March 2022, Dassault had completed cold weather testing in Iqaluit, Canada, reaching -37 °C (-35 °F), towards certification expected later in 2022 as the test fleet had accumulated 650 flight hours across 220 sorties.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/business-aviation/dassault-falcon-6x-certification-on-track-as-twinjet-wraps-up-cold-weather-testing/147951.article |title= Dassault Falcon 6X certification on track as twinjet wraps up cold weather testing |author= Dominic Perry |date= 16 March 2022 |work= FlightGlobal}}
By May 2022, as the three test aircraft have logged 850 hours, service entry was pushed to mid-2023 due to the supply chain crisis following Covid-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/ebace-2022/dassault-delays-falcon-6x-arrival-on-supply-chain-disruption/148764.article |title= Dassault delays Falcon 6X arrival on supply chain disruption |author= Kate Sarsfield |date= 23 May 2022 |work= Flightglobal}}
In 2023, its equipped price was $53.8M.{{cite news |url= https://infogram.com/bca-table-2023-jets-1ho16vorwrp8x4n |title= Purchase planning handbook - Jets table |date= Second Quarter 2023 |work= Business & Commercial Aircraft}}
The 6X received both its Federal Aviation Administration and European Union Aviation Safety Agency type certificates in August 2023.{{cite web|url= https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/dassault-aviation-notches-easa-and-faa-certification-for-falcon-6x/|title= Dassault Aviation Notches EASA And FAA Certification For Falcon 6X|access-date= 23 August 2023|last= Phelps|first= Mark|work= AVweb |date= 22 August 2023|archive-url= https://archive.today/20230823112333/https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/dassault-aviation-notches-easa-and-faa-certification-for-falcon-6x/|archive-date= 23 August 2023|url-status= live}} The 6X entered service on 30 November 2023.
The first Part 91 Dassault Falcon 6X in the United States was delivered in late 2024.{{Cite web |title=Falcon 6X Delivered to Part 91 Customer with Nimbl’s Ready Flight Program {{!}} AIN |author=Amy Wilder |work=Aviation International News |date=8 January 2025 |access-date=19 March 2025 |url= https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-01-08/dassault-falcon-6x-delivered-us-nimbl-support}}
Design
File:EBACE 2019, Le Grand-Saconnex (EB190355).jpg
The Falcon 6X is largely based on the Falcon 5X aerodynamics and systems, validated during its preliminary flight test program, but it is optimized to take advantage of its {{cvt|13,000-14,000|lbf|kN|disp=flip}} PW812D engines for a longer cabin and a greater {{cvt|5,500|nmi|km}} range, a Mach 0.90 top speed and a Mach 0.85 cruise.
Its cabin is {{cvt|12.3|m|ft}} long, is {{cvt|1.98|m|in}} high by {{cvt|2.58|m|in}} wide (the largest in a purpose-built business jet), and can accommodate 16 passengers in three zones with 29 windows, including a galley skylight.
A front-fuselage extension makes its cabin {{cvt|51|cm}} longer.{{cite news |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dassault-launches-6x-as-it-bids-to-put-5x-nightmare-446307/ |title= Dassault launches 6X as it bids to put 5X nightmare behind it |date= 28 February 2018 |author= Dan Thisdell |work= Flightglobal}}
The Falcon 6X reinforces the 5X new {{cvt|761|ft2|order=flip}} wing and keeps its digital flight control system and Honeywell Primus Epic EASy III flight deck.
The new engine fans have a diameter of {{cvt|44|in|cm|order=flip}}, {{cvt|6|in|cm|disp=flip}} narrower than the Gulfstreams, with four low-pressure turbine stages instead of five, engine weight is reduced by {{cvt|200|lb|order=flip}}.
Its empty weight increases by {{cvt|2,270|lb|order=flip}} or 5.7%, from {{cvt|40,000|to|{{#expr:40000+2270round-2}}|lb|t|order=flip}}, due to heavier engines, fuel system and structural reinforcements.{{cite news |url= http://aviationweek.com/aviation-week-space-technology/dassaults-falcon-5x-successor-enter-service-2021 |title= Dassault's Falcon 5X Successor To Enter Service In 2021 |date= Mar 2, 2018 |author= Fred George |work= Aviation Week & Space Technology}}
The Falcon 6X will be the first Dassault aircraft with a nitrogen inerting system.{{Cite web|access-date=26 December 2020|title=Information and specifications on the Dassault Falcon 6X Aircraft|url=https://executive-charter-flights.com/aircraft/dassault/falcon/6x-for-sale|website=Executive Charter Flights|date=22 December 2020}}
Specifications
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! Model |
| Crew
| colspan=2 | 2 |
|---|
| Passengers
| colspan=2 | 16 |
| Length
| {{cvt|25.2|m}} | {{cvt|25.68|m}} |
| Height
| {{cvt|7.5|m}} | {{cvt|7.47|m}} |
| Wingspan
| {{cvt|25.9|m}} | {{cvt|25.94|m}} |
| Wing area
| {{cvt|72.4|m2}} |
| Wing aspect ratio
| {{#expr:25.9/(72.4/25.9)round2}} | {{#expr:25.94/(70.7/25.94)round2}} |
| Max Takeoff Weight
| {{cvt|31,570|kg}} | {{cvt|35,135|kg}} |
| Empty Weight |
| Fuel Capacity
| | {{cvt|15,325|kg}} |
| Turbofan
| 2 × Snecma Silvercrest | 2 × P&WC PW812D |
| Thrust
| 2 × {{cvt|11,450|lbf|kN|disp=flip}} | 2 × {{cvt|13,460|lbf|kN|disp=flip}}{{efn|ISA+20°C Flat rated}} |
| Max Speed
| colspan=2 | {{cvt|0.9|Mach|altitude_ft=51000|kn km/h|0}} |
| LR cruise
| | {{cvt|0.8|Mach|altitude_ft=51000|kn km/h|0}} |
| Ceiling
| colspan=2 | {{cvt|51,000|ft|0}} |
| Range
| {{cvt|5200|nmi|km}}{{efn|8 passengers + 3 crew, NBAA IFR reserves, ISA, full fuel, Mach 0.8}} | {{cvt|5500|nmi|km}} |
| Balanced Takeoff
| | {{cvt|1,670|m}}{{efn|(MTOW, SL, ISA)}} |
| Landing
| | {{cvt|760|m}}{{efn|FAR 91, typical landing weight}} |
See also
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Notes
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References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{official website|https://www.dassaultfalcon.com/en/Aircraft/Models/6X/Pages/overview.aspx}}
{{Dassault Falcon family}}
{{Dassault aircraft}}
Category:2020s French business aircraft
Category:Cruciform tail aircraft